How to get to Hiroshima

When planning a trip to Japan, you should definitely include Hiroshima in your itinerary — a modern metropolis in the Chugoku region that has become a global symbol of peace and rebirth. Located on the scenic coast of the Seto Inland Sea, the city attracts guests with a harmonious blend of historical memorials, green parks, and dynamic urban life. Getting here is easy thanks to a developed transport network: the region is open to tourists arriving by plane, bullet train, bus, or car.

The main air gateway for travelers is Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), which ensures stable connections with major cities in the country and some international destinations. It is located away from the center but is well integrated into the region's transport system, making arrival here a convenient start to the trip.

If direct flight tickets are unavailable, you can use alternative routes through neighboring cities. The nearest option is Iwakuni, located just 33 km away; also within a hundred-kilometer radius are the airports of Masuda and Matsuyama, from where you can continue the journey by ground transport.

The railway is one of the most popular and fastest ways to get to Hiroshima. The city is an important stop on the Shinkansen (Sanyo Shinkansen) high-speed train line, allowing you to comfortably get here from Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka in a matter of hours, arriving directly at the central station.

Furthermore, a developed network of local JR trains connects the city with nearby settlements. For example, a trip from the neighboring city of Iwakuni or other stations in the prefecture will allow you to enjoy views of provincial Japan and precisely plan your arrival time.

Intercity buses ("highway buses") represent an economical alternative to trains for traveling to Hiroshima. Routes connect the city with many major centers on Honshu and Shikoku islands, offering passengers comfortable cabins with reclining seats, and often night services, allowing you to save on accommodation.

Bus terminals are usually located in convenient locations, simplifying transfers to urban transport. Although the travel time will be longer than on a high-speed train, the affordable price and the opportunity to see picturesque landscapes along the way make this option attractive for many tourists.

Traveling by car gives freedom in choosing stops and routes. The fastest path awaits those driving from the city of Iwakuni: the distance is about 42 km, and the road will take less than an hour, making this option excellent for a short trip.

The route from the city of Matsuyama is longer — about 82 km and approximately 3.2 hours on the way, which may include ferry crossings or detours. A trip from Masuda (about 120 km) will take slightly more than two hours; drivers should remember left-hand traffic and the presence of paid expressways.

To ensure your visit to Hiroshima is as comfortable as possible, it is useful to learn about local features in advance. This hospitable city is convenient for tourists, but following simple recommendations will make your stay even more pleasant.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. Summers here are hot and humid, so choose light natural fabrics, while in winter a warm jacket will be needed; be sure to bring comfortable shoes, as parks and memorials are best explored on foot.
2. Transport. A unique feature of the city is the extensive tram network (Hiroden); to pay for the fare, it is most convenient to use rechargeable IC transport cards (for example, ICOCA or Suica) or tourist passes.
3. Finances. The national currency is the Japanese Yen. Although cards are accepted in hotels and large stores, cash is often required in small cafes, ticket machines, and temples.
4. Health and Safety. Tap water is suitable for drinking, and the city is considered very safe; nevertheless, having travel insurance is a standard precaution.
5. Communication. The main language is Japanese, but navigation and menus in tourist zones are often duplicated in English; learn a couple of phrases, such as "Arigato" (thank you), to delight the locals.
6. Local Etiquette. Observe silence in public transport and always remove your shoes when entering traditional restaurants, fitting rooms, or temple premises.
7. What to Avoid. Do not leave tips — in Japan this is not customary and may confuse the staff; high-quality service here is considered the norm by default.
8. Gastronomic Advice. Be sure to try the local style of okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza/pancake) — here ingredients are layered and noodles are always added, which distinguishes the dish from the version in Osaka.

By following these tips, you can easily immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city, showing respect for the local culture and avoiding minor inconveniences.